The Serenity Prayer for Alcoholics Anonymous neatly encapsulates one of the most characteristic doctrines of Stoic philosophy. We should take greater responsibility for what's up to us according to Stoicism and get less upset about what is not. The most influential psychological principle of Stoicism comes from another one of Epictetus' sayings, from the Incaradian. It's not things that upset us but are judgements about things. That became the inspiration for modern cognitive behavioural therapy or CBT today.
How to drink like a Roman emperor, if that emperor is Marcus Aurelius. In this episode I explore the relationship between Stoic philosophy and the Twelve Step Program of Alcoholics Anonymous, discussing how Stoicism can help those suffering from alcoholism, as well as their friends and families. I spot parallels between the Twelve Step advice and Stoic teachings, and give examples from the life of Marcus Aurelius. I talk about how his wayward brother, and co-emperor, Lucius Verus, was almost certainly an alcoholic. Also, Frank, retired NYPD police officer, shares his experience of combining Stoicism the Twelve Step Program.
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The original article is available on Substack, titled How to Drink Like a Roman Emperor.
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